Why Arlington?

Planning a successful meeting, conference, or special event starts with choosing the right destination, and Arlington, Virginia checks all the boxes. Located just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., Arlington offers unparalleled access, world-class venues, exceptional hotels, and a dynamic mix of culture, dining, and attractions that elevate every event.

Whether you're coordinating a corporate meeting, hosting a large-scale conference, or planning a government or association event, Arlington provides the perfect blend of convenience, value, and vibrant urban energy that you've been searching for.

Here are 10 great reasons to hold your next meeting or event in Arlington:

1. We’re Accessible

Home to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Arlington is also within easy reach of Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), and Washington’s Union Station. Just minutes by bridge or Metro from the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and other Washington, D.C., attractions, we’re served by 11 convenient Metrorail stations on the Blue, Orange, Silver, and Yellow Lines.

2. We’ve Got Just the Accommodations and Facilities You Need

Arlington has 38 hotels, nearly 10,000 lodging rooms, and more than 326,000 square feet of meeting space. Ranging from boutique accommodations to full-service hotels, Arlington offers various styles, facilities, and service options to suit any meeting.

3. You’ll Get Great Value

By meeting just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., you’ll discover average daily rates that are typically less than those at many downtown hotels – with the same great convenience and amenities. And since most of our hotels are within a quick walk of Metro, your attendees can get around car-free!

4. There’s Shopping Galore

From national retailers to funky, one-of-a-kind boutiques, Arlington’s shopping has you covered. Venues include Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Westpost at National Landing, The Crossing Clarendon, Ballston Quarter, and the Lee Heights Shops. Plus, we’re just 30 miles from the Potomac Mills and Leesburg Corner outlets.

5. Our Dining and Nightlife Rock

From diverse global cuisines – Vietnamese, Thai, Ethiopian, Latin American, Indian, and Lebanese, just to name a few – to familiar American favorites, Arlington restaurants have exactly what you’re craving. Options range from casual to white-tablecloth, intimate spots to large venues. And there is plenty of after-dinner fun at many lounges, pubs, wine bars, sports bars, and live music/dance venues.

6. Arlington Arts Are on the Cutting Edge

With 1,500-plus events a year, Arlington gets a standing ovation for its arts experiences. Dubbed a “hotbed of cultural abandon” by The Washington Post, Arlington’s home nationally acclaimed companies, including Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre and Avant Bard Theatre. There’s fantastic live music, too!

7. Our National Historic Attractions Will Move You

Arlington is home to many historical sites, such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Military Women's Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), the Air Force Memorial, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and more. Arlington is also steeped in African American history and culture, which have largely shaped our destination's cultural landscape today.

8. We Combine an Urban Vibe with Neighborhood Charm

Renowned for its smart-growth approach to urban planning, Arlington combines the best of big-city amenities with the warmth and charm of lively neighborhoods. Our Metro-centered neighborhoods are hip and full of energy while at the same time cozy and hospitable. Each has its own fantastic array of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

9. Arlington and its Hospitality Community are Sustainability Leaders

Arlington was the nation’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified community and is a nationally recognized leader in creating a sustainable and resilient urban environment. We have long-proven success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing stormwater, fostering environmental stewardship, and promoting our visitors' health and well-being. With easy transit options and walkable neighborhoods, you can keep your footprint light and your meeting green in Arlington.

10. Our Mid-Atlantic Climate Is Just Right

Known especially for gorgeous fall and spring weather, Arlington has four distinct but relatively mild seasons. Whether visitors experience the elegant pink of spring cherry blossoms, fall’s vivid foliage, the warmth of summer sidewalk dining, or the haunting beauty of monuments dusted with snow, each season showcases Arlington differently.